AnAlmostHomeTestimony

Posted by Markolline Forkpa

November 12, 2016

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By: Almost Home Alumni, May 2016

Eight weeks ago, I walked into that classroom feeling skeptical about the mission of Habitat for Humanity and whether I would benefit from the Almost Home program. Now I am firm believer in the mission of Habitat for Humanity and have benefited tremendously from the Almost Home program.

Eight weeks ago, I was living check to check and had no savings. According to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, there are several baby steps to take in order to achieve financial peace. One step is to have at least $1000 in an emergency fund. During class, we brainstormed ways to save up the $1000. I temporarily stopped my 401k in order to contribute that money into an emergency fund. I stopped buying coffee from fast food restaurants and bought a coffee maker. I packed my lunch. I even put of some money from my incomes taxes to reach my goal of putting $1000 into an emergency fund. I am happy to report that I have reached my goal and I am now prepared for a rainy day.

I’ve also learned the importance of making my money work for me, instead of wondering what happened to my money. I have learned to budget my money better by using the envelope system. According to Dave Ramsey, people have an emotional connection to cash and have feelings when they are spending cash and have no connection to their money when they are using a credit card. For example, I was in the market the other day and pulled out $100 to pay for my groceries and I had an emotional reaction to spending my money. My budget was $100 and I only spent $93. It felt bad to give away $100; however, it made me stick to my budget because I did not to want withdraw more money from the ATM. If I was using my credit card, it wouldn’t bother me one bit if I had blown the budget and had to spend a few more dollars to cover the bill. I feel when I spend actual cash. The bonus was I came in under budget and had $7 to add to the pot for the next grocery trip.

This program helped to restore my faith in humanity. It was more than just achieving financial peace, but treating the whole person by helping to remove those obstacles that stood in your way of becoming homeowners. Habitat for Humanity understands that there are hardworking people who can’t buy a home the traditional way; however they are no less deserving of a decent affordable home than those who can. They don’t offer a hand out. They offer a helping hand. I didn’t believe that mission when I stepped in those doors eight weeks ago. Each week I saw that you cared, the volunteers cared, and Habitat for Humanity truly cared. You were wonderful at creating a judgment free environment. We were provided with experts in the industry to discuss issues such as legal aid, we were matched with financial coaches, and were connected with organizations such as Careerlink, and offered help with our resumes. During a resume writing course I was asked to participate in a mock interview. I am interested in changing careers. After the mock interview with Marianne Lynch, I was connected with someone who works for the Pennsylvania government who can offer career advice on how to make the transition from the private sector to the public sector.

I could go on forever. I have gotten so much out of this program. I enthusiastically endorse this program to anyone who will listen. Michele, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to working with us. If it’s anything that I can do to help you, please let me know. It was a pleasure to get to know you and I hope to continue to work with you in the future.

WatchUsAtWork

Recentposts

ANewDirection

October 02, 2014

By Gary Lasher, President of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County

It is my honor to have recently been elected as President of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County.

We will continue to construct affordable housing for families that are living in sub-standard situations or have no way of finding a decent place to live. But we have identified a need that is much greater and where we can improve the lives of many more.

This new direction is to help families in need who can’t afford the necessary repairs to continue living in their existing homes. This could be anything from external repairs such as painting to providing a new roof or a fire hazard electrical system. The typical cost for repairing homes is about 10% of what it costs Habitat to construct a new home. This way we will be improving the lives of many more of our Montgomery families in need.

Most recently, we worked with the neighbors of a veteran who had no heat and a roof needing extensive repair. When he was released from the hospital after receiving medical treatment, he was able to move into his newly repaired home.

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May 29, 2014

By Marianne Lynch, May 2014

In those spare moments when I am not working to end poverty housing, being a mom and wife or dealing with some chore around the house, you can usually find me at the garden center at Lowe’s, Home Depot or anywhere else that the smell of flowers beckons me go. This weekend was no exception. I found myself wandering around Lowe’s looking at the varieties of annuals and vegetables.

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While recently reading an article on leadership and vision, I encountered this quote:

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